When retired GP Aspi was assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team for more help at home, the team also referred him for HammondCare’s Short Term Restorative Care (STRC)– which provides 8 weeks of tailored therapy, under the care and guidance of an allied health team delivered in the client’s home to help them improve their ability to perform everyday tasks.
The Restorative Care Allied Health team helps clients to become more confident, safe and independent in their own home.
Jake, a physiotherapist and member of the same allied health team, shares: ‘the program can be life changing; it’s centred around each person’s unique needs, wherever they are on their life journey.’
After Aspi completed the 8-week program, he was inspired to keep up a routine that focused on his wellbeing. So, he became a regular attendee at Jake’s weekly gentle exercise class, held in an air-conditioned space in a local library. Jake runs the classes with his manager, Carmel. ‘We try to make it fun, and we now have quite a few regulars coming. It’s nice to see them chatting to each other and checking in before the class starts. We offer hydrotherapy classes at a few locations as well, which clients find equally therapeutic.’
During the class, Carmel, an exercise physiologist, observes participants’ movements - watching out for any potential issues and challenges. ‘She has great patience with us,’ says Aspi.
Carmel shares: ‘Our team are in constant communication with our local home care team, ensuring clients are receiving the support they need, both now and as their circumstances evolve.
‘We also want to make sure that, where possible, no one misses out – that people have the opportunity to attend the classes even without their own transport. We try and make this happen through their package funding.
‘Like the STRC program, it’s another team effort.’
Aspi is delighted to continue to receive support from the combined HammondCare team. In fact, he was so happy with the level of personalised care he experienced through the restorative program that when his approval came through for his home care package, he chose HammondCare as his provider. Now Aspi and his wife Diane enjoy domestic support from the homecare team every week as part of his package.
Care Manager Alarna from Aspi’s home care team says: ‘the regular exercise class is now funded by Aspi’s package, and also provides taxi vouchers to help him get to medical appointments, or anything else he needs to attend. This takes pressure off Diane who is Aspi’s main support person.'
Aspi can also enjoy the benefits of having access to HammondCare’s clinical care managers, registered nurses who visit clients at home as part of their ongoing support.
Alarna has been receiving positive feedback from other homecare clients who also attend Jake and Carmel’s classes. ‘It’s a great way for them to be a part of a group environment, away from their home and family – meeting people who may share similar life experiences or are facing the same challenges at their stage of life. There aren’t many social groups in our area; the classes are ticking that box as well.’
As part of Aspi’s individualised care, Alarna’s team also work alongside Vision Australia to support his vision aids – such as a recently purchased adjustable folding support cane, which is covered by his package funds.
Aspi says he has now gained weight, has more confidence with his mobility and enjoys being able to get around more easily at home. The regular classes ensures he keeps up with the exercise, and as a retired GP he knows how important it is to maintain muscle and joint strength.
‘The HammondCare people are very pleasant; they make you feel comfortable,’ says Aspi.
Jake adds: ‘They say it takes a village – this is definitely the case for Aspi, and for all the clients we support. They’re like family.’